Doctor of Ministry

International Admissions Process

Before You Begin Your Application

A pre-application must be completed no later than six months prior to the start of your first semester for preferred consideration. The pre-application must be approved by the Graduate Admissions Office before you begin your application. You will be notified by the Graduate Admissions Office of approval within 2-3 weeks after submitting the completed pre-application. The pre-application is not required for current Talbot master’s level students.

Application Deadline:

International Students must have a complete DMin application (references, transcripts, etc.) submitted no later than four months prior to the start of their first semester. Starting dates for each track vary; please see the DMin overview for more information.

English Proficiency Requirements

You are required to display English proficiency before being admitted into the Talbot DMin program. You are required to submit standardized test scores (TOEFL) upon application to Biola.

Required Scores:

TOEFL 100 IBT

The DMin department will determine English proficiency on a case-by-case basis, but will consistently look for at least one of the following criteria to be met:

A TOEFL score of at least 600 PBT, 250 CBT, or 100 IBT

An appropriate master’s degree, from an accredited school in an English-speaking program, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The DMin program reserves the right to accept a student on a probationary basis if English language proficiency is in doubt--this is so even if the applicant can demonstrate adequate satisfaction of either criteria mentioned above.

Admissions Requirements

You must have the equivalent of an MDiv degree from an accredited, recognized institution.

All international students must meet the same requirements for admission as U.S. citizens, even if they have successfully completed a course of study in their native country.

Transfer international students must have obtained transfer authorization from previous institution.

International students must subscribe either to the Biola University student health insurance policy or obtain a policy which maintains coverage throughout their time in the United States.

Application Requirements

An application for admission, references and a $65 non–refundable application fee.

Official transcripts of all colleges, universities or seminaries attended must be sent directly from the school to Biola’s Office of Graduate Admission to be official. All transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English translation that documents coursework and examinations taken, indicates grades received, identifies passing and maximum marks, and evidences completion of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

Before we can consider your application you must be able to demonstrate a substantial amount of financial support from your own resources. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not allow us to issue I-20 forms (used to obtain student visas) without documented proof that the student has sufficient funds to study in this country. This means the applicant must raise 100% of the needed costs. The affidavit of support form assures us that you will receive support from a sponsor or your parent(s) for the necessary funds to support your education at Biola. We require that an official or notary public notarize the form. We also require that corresponding bank statements be attached. Download the Affidavit of Financial Support.

Reference forms: please see the application for details.

Admission Requirements

Biola University accepts International applications only for the fall semester, with the exception of F-1 transfers, Doctor of Ministry, and modular programs.

You must have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited, recognized institution.

All admissions items must be received by June 1st prior to the fall semester for which one is applying.*

*Please note that some programs have earlier application deadlines.

Attention: Any application for ON LINE (TESOL or School of Education) programs, extension centers (such as Kiev, or Chaing Mai), or if you hold a visa other than an F1, then the pre application is NOT necessary; therefore you can move forward to the full application.